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Global Health Gap Year

Our Global Health Gap Year calls those whose hearts beat to see communities thriving – physically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.

The Global Health Gap Year is designed for both those that have experience in the health / development industry, and for those who simply have a heart to pursue missions in the healthcare context. The majority of our gap year students are 18-35 year olds. If you are over 35, please contact us, we would love to discuss your options! 

Whatever your journey might be, this is not your average gap year experience! The Global Health Gap Year is about meeting real needs, bringing hope, and seeing your life transformed in the process.

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How it all works

Step 1: Build your foundations

The first five months of your journey will begin with a Discipleship Training School either in Townsville, Australia or Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. 

During the first half of the course, you will learn about different topics each week from experienced speakers.

Topics may include:

  • The Nature and Character of God
  • Hearing God’s Voice
  • Identity
  • Relationships
  • Biblical Worldview
  • Living a Missional Life

You will also be placed in a small group to help you further unpack your training with others on a weekly basis. Further to this, you will be matched with a mentor who will catch up with you regularly to check in on your faith journey.

The DTS includes 13 weeks of lectures and nine weeks of outreach.

DTS in Port Moresby

The Nations and Spheres DTS is run at our YWAM Medical Ships Campus in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. 

The DTS includes opportnities for discipleship, hands-on missions experience, and an opportunity to make history as we engage in Papua New Guinea.

The Nations & Spheres DTS has a particular focus on championing you to engage in different spheres of society; contributing toward the vision of building healthy lives, communities, and nations.

Find our more on our Port Moresby DTS page.

DTS in Townsville

Townsville is located in tropical North Queensland near the top of Australia. Right on our coast is the Great Barrier Reef and Magnetic Island. 

Our Campus is located in Townsville’s city centre, close to the beach, cafes, and shops.  

DTS options in Townsville include: Reef to Outback, Youth Ministries and Global Health. Find out more on our Townsville DTS page

On completion of the DTS in Australia, you will receive a 10802NAT – Certificate III in Discipleship qualification. 

Step 2: Dive in deep into healthcare missions

HLT31220 – Certificate III in Basic Health Care
HLTAID009 – Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
HLTAID013 – Provide First Aid in remote or isolated site 
HLTAID014 – Provide Advanced First Aid

During the next 22 weeks of your gap year, you will complete our Introduction to Global Health and Development School. You will be immersed in a powerful combination of essential basic healthcare knowledge and community development training, with a focus on preventing illness, promoting holistic wellbeing, and empowering communities to develop their strengths.

Your course will be at our Jetty Campus in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea where you will undergo 12 weeks of training and 10 weeks of outreach with hands on experience in communities in Papua New Guinea.

On completion of this course you will have attained a Certificate III in Basic Health Care (an Australian qualification for community health advocates) as well as multiple First Aid units. The Certificate III in Basic Health Care program is suitable for people wishing to pursue a career in health with the qualification providing a good base of knowledge for many health care industries including ambulance, nursing, security and Defence Force medical assistant.

Graduates of this course are well placed to step into a range of further training options including our Purpose & Leadership Development.

Dates and Cost

Dates

2024

  • 28 January – 13 December 2024
Cost

Costs will vary depending on where you decide to do the DTS portion of your gap year. 

DTS in Townsville: 
$6,490AUD course fee*
$1000 – $1800AUD outreach travel expenses

DTS in Port Moresby: 
6,000 PGK course fee* – C nation price
12,800 PGK course fee* – B nation price
15,800 PGK course fee* – A nation price
+ Outreach travel expences to be confirmed once the outreach locations are decided

IGHD: 
6,000 PGK course fee* – C nation price
12,800 PGK course fee* – B nation price
15,800 PGK course fee* – A nation price
+ Outreach travel expences to be confirmed once the outreach locations are decided

Your course fee includes all the training you will receive during the DTS and IGHD, and 19 weeks of outreach during your Global Health Gap Year. The training includes all of your meals, accommodation, laundry facilities, airport transfers, and use of our campus facilities including library, lecture rooms. Your outreach includes all of your meals, accommodation, outreach shirt, visa (if required) and field supplies.

Your outreach travel expenses will cover variable costs such as flights, ferries, busses, etc.

YWAM MS uses information supplied by the United Nations and other sources to rank countries in three categories (A,B,C) based on their per capita income.

To see your nation category, click here.

*Does not include travel costs to and from Townsville or Papua New Guinea for the lecture portions of the schools, food or accommodation between courses, visa, health insurance and immunisations. 

Accreditation

The DTS offered is Townsville, Australia is accredited. On completeion of the course you will recieve the following qualification:

10802NAT Certificate III in Discipleship

DSPREL001 – Develop relationship with God

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to successfully respond to the truth that God makes Himself known to all people and to God’s grace in initiating relationship. It requires the ability to gain life-changing understanding of who God is and how He communicates through the Bible, prayer, and worship in order to adjust beliefs and behaviours. 

DSPDCC002 – Develop Christian Character 
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to make responsible decisions that bring joy to God and glorify Him in response to God’s holiness, lordship and love. It requires the ability to live in right relationship with God and others. It also requires the ability to recognise Jesus’ authority and respond in surrender and dependence in all areas of life. 

DSPYWM003 – Contribute to a Youth With a Mission community
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to successfully contribute to an international, apostolic missions community of Youth With A Mission. It requires the ability to understand Youth With A Mission’s purpose, beliefs and values to make a positive contribution to the community. It also requires the ability to live in right relationship with God, authorities and others. 

DSPSPA004 – Practice spiritual authority
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to exercise the authority every believer has to make a significant contribution for spiritual breakthrough. It requires the ability to walk in spiritual authority through intercession, worship and strategic prayer. It also requires the ability to recognise the activity and influence of Satan and the authority given to every believer through Jesus Christ. 

DSPEVA005 – Contribute to evangelism
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to successfully proclaim the truth that God pursues the lost and desires all to be saved through Jesus Christ. It requires the ability to communicate God’s truth in a way that demonstrates His character. It also requires the ability to show God’s love through acts of compassion. 

DSPPCM006 – Participate in a Christian missions outreach team
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to make a meaningful contribution towards the completion of the Great Commission through serving in a Christian missions team. It requires the ability to engage in the preparation of and participation in team activities in a variety of settings. It also requires the ability to adjust to another culture and review outreach activities.

Course Work

The Discipleship Training School is a combination of heart revelation and head knowledge with an emphasis in practical application. There is also a component of written course work which helps students understanding reach a deeper level as processing and application takes place. Our assessments utilise a range of methods including: journals, workbooks, book reports, outreach reports, self-assessment checklists and supervisor reports. The DTS is a holistic in nature and units of competency are delivered concurrently enabling you to develop your skills, knowledge and character.

* for recognition of prior learning/course credit, please see the Staff and Student Handbook.

Austudy, Abstudy and Youth student allowance is available for Australian applicants.

Note that the DTS offered in Port Moresby is not accredited. 

HLT31220 units:

CHCDIV001 Work with diverse people 
The skills and knowledge required to work respectfully with people from diverse social and cultural groups and situations, including Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

HLTAAP001 Recognise healthy body systems 
The skills and knowledge required to work with basic information about the human body and to recognise and promote ways to maintain healthy functioning of the body.

HLTAID011 Provide first aid
The skills and knowledge required to provide a first aid response to a casualty in line with first aid guidelines determined by the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) and other Australian national peak clinical bodies.

HLTINF001 Comply with infection prevention and control policies and procedures 
The skills and knowledge required to follow organisational infection prevention and control procedures, including implementing standard and transmission-based precautions and responding to infection risks.

HLTOUT010 Communicate in complex situation to support health care
The skills and knowledge required to effectively communicate with patients, colleagues, health providers and ambulance service callers in complex situations using verbal and non-verbal interactions. It requires workers to address these significant challenges in the context of providing a health care service.

HLTWHS002 Follow safe work practices for direct client care 
The skills and knowledge required for a worker to participate in safe work practices to ensure their own health and safety, and that of others in work environments that involve caring directly for clients. It has a focus on maintaining safety of the worker, the people being supported and other community members.

HLTWHS006 Manage personal stressors in the work environment
The skills and knowledge required to maintain health and wellbeing by preventing and managing personal stress.

HLTAAP002 Confirm physical health status 
The skills and knowledge required to obtain and interpret information about client health status and to check a client’s physical health. It requires a detailed knowledge of anatomy and physiology.

HLTHPS001 Take clinical measurements
The skills and knowledge required to prepare for, obtain and record simple clinical measurements.

HLTHPS006 Assist clients with medication
The skills and knowledge required to prepare for and provide medication assistance, and complete medication documentation. It also involves supporting a client to self-administer medication.

BSBMED301 Interpret and apply medical terminology appropriately
The skills and knowledge required to understand and respond to instructions; to carry out routine tasks and communicate with a range of internal/external clients in a medical environment; as well as use appropriate medical terminology

Additional First aid units:

HLTAID009 Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
The skills and knowledge required to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in line with the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) guidelines.

HLTAID013 Provide First Aid in remote or isolated site
The skills and knowledge required to provide a first aid response to a casualty in a remote or isolated site over an extended period of time until medical assistance is provided, or evacuation occurs.

HLTAID014 Provide Advanced First Aid
The skills and knowledge required to provide an advanced first aid response to a casualty in line with first aid guidelines determined by the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) and other Australian national peak clinical bodies.

*for recognition of prior learning/course credit, please see the Staff and Student Handbook.

Austudy, Abstudy and Youth student allowance is available for Australian applicants.

Prerequisites

Applicants need to have graduated High School or equivalent and has a sense of call to Christian Missions. Students need to successfully complete the Discipleship Training School in order to continue onto the Introduction to Global Health and Development. 

International Students

When overseas students apply, proficiency in English will be specifically assessed. Offers of placement in a course will include any applicable requirements for English language proficiency. Copies of documents, or telephone interviews will be used to verify information provided by students on language proficiency. Bridging courses will be recommended where these are deemed necessary.

International students on student visas are required to maintain satisfactory academic progress and attendance to meet the requirements of the student visa.

YWAM Townsville is bound by the National Code of Practice for Registration Authorities and Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students. The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations regulates the education and training sector’s involvement with overseas students studying in Australia on student visas. It does this through the Education Services for Overseas Students legislative framework. This protects Australia’s reputation for delivering quality education services and the interests of overseas students, by setting minimum standards and providing tuition and financial assurance.

The legislation mandates a nationally consistent approach to registering education providers so that the quality of the tuition, and care of students, remains high. The professionalism and integrity of the industry is further strengthened by the ESOS legislation’s interface with immigration law. This imposes visa related reporting requirements on both students and providers. A simple explanation of the framework is located here.

Meet our students

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Discipleship Training School - Townsville Campus

Our Discipleship Training School (DTS) gives you the opportunity to set aside five and a half months of your life to grow in your faith while serving the world around you. After 13 weeks of training and discipleship at our campus in Townsville, Australia, we take you on nine weeks of cross-cultural outreach. The DTS is a life-changing experience! 

10802NAT - Certificate III in Discipleship 

 

Dates
  • 16 July - 15 December, 2023
  • 22 October, 2023 - 22 March, 2024
  • 28 January - 28 June, 2024
  • 14 July - 13 December, 2024
  • 13 October, 2024 - 14 March, 2025

 

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Discipleship Training School - Port Moresby Campus, Papua New Guinea

The DTS will run from our satellite campus in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The DTS will include a unique combination of discipleship, hands-on missions experience during both lectures and outreach, and the opportunity to make history as we establish a new campus in Port Moresby for generations to come.

Dates
  • 16 July - 15 December, 2023
  • 28 January - 28 June, 2024
  • 14 July - 13 December, 2024

 

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Resources

Joining us for a Discipleship Training School (DTS) or Gap Year with us soon? We have compiled a few resources to help prepare you for the amazing journey that’s ahead!

 

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For Parents

Do you have a child that is interested in a YWAM DTS or Gap Year? We have created some resources for you as your child navigates their YWAM experience. 

 


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Global Health & Development Gap Year

Our Global Health & Development Gap Year calls those whose heart beats to see communities thriving - physically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. The Global Health & Development Gap Year is designed for both those that have experience in the health / community development industry, and for those who are starting out on their journey of healthcare in missions.

10802NAT - Certificate III in Discipleship

HLT31220 - Certificate III in Basic Health

HLTAID009 -  Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

HLTAID013 - Provide First Aid in remote or isolated site 

HLTAID014 -  Provide Advanced First Aid

Dates

28 January - 13 December 2024

 

 


Register Interest

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Volunteer

Whether you are an experienced health professional, a university student, an enthusiastic young person, or a skilled mariner, we invite you to register interest for outreaches in Papua New Guinea.

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Ships

YWAM Medical Ships - Australia & PNG has been operating medical and training vessels in PNG since 2010.

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Dental Trailer

YWAM Medical Ships is now operating a Dental Trailer in collaboration with key stakeholders in Port Moresby with the purpose of providing dental services, training opportunities, and health education to schools in the National Capital District.

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Small Boat Patrol Outreaches

YWAM Medical Ships is collaborating with key stakeholders in the nation by utilising small boats to bring health and training services right to the doorstep of those who need it most. These patrols have a specific focus on empowering the youth of communities to live healthy lives to contribute to a healthy nation.

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Our Footprint

Delivering basic services in Papua New Guinea (PNG) poses enormous challenges with 84 percent of the population living in remote, rural areas.

See annual reports

Annual Reports

Read or download our annual reports. 

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Advocate

Join the YWAM Medical Ships team by becoming a Community Ambassador or Youth Ambassador in your local community.


Join YWAM Staff

Our volunteer staff team is a diverse mix of different nationalities, ages, skills, giftings, and backgrounds. Their dedication and passion makes what we do possible and we are always looking to expand our team!

Townsville Campus
 Port Moresby Campus
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Communication

Good communication is essential for strong relationships, healthy families, and communities! Our mission is to help mobilise effective communicators to share good news and influence change. Our communication pathways are tailored to suit your level of experience and the time you are willing to invest.

 

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Global Health

Our global health pathways include options for both experienced healthcare professionals, and those who are looking to be trained. Whether you are supporting logistics or in the thick of treating patients in a remote village, you can be assured that you will play a vital part in helping to build healthy lives, communities, and nations!

 

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Hospitality

Hospitality is a powerful gift that helps build community and shows care for the individual. Our hospitality pathways are designed to help equip you to deliver various aspects of hospitality with excellence.

 

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Events

Events have the power to strengthen hope and build community. Our events pathways will equip you to create unique events with excellence and a bit of pizazz!

 

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Training

Training is the key to multiplication! Our training pathways are about equipping others with the skills, knowledge, and character they need to serve communities.

 


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YWAM Precinct

Our recently developed YWAM Precinct located in Townsville’s CBD is the perfect hub for youth to find belonging and empowerment. A high, medium and low ropes course, brand new cafe, and multi-purpose warehouse space for seminars and other activities allows youth the opportunity to flourish through adventure based learning.

 

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Youth Ambassadors

As a Youth Ambassador you will have the opportunity to lead your peers and the wider community in helping to support the work of YWAM Medical Ships in Papua New Guinea.

 

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Work Experience

We offer the opportunity for students to complete their work experience at our city campus in Townsville. This unique opportunity gives students the ability to not only explore a future career pathway, but also get a taste of working with a local charity that is dedicated to serving the community.

 

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Schools & Youth Leaders

We know that really quality, committed youth workers, teachers and families are some of the best things young people can have in their formative years. Our hope is to make your job a little bit easier by offering adventure based learning, mentoring resources, leadership and training pathways, and service based learning opportunities for youth. 

 

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Transitional Accommodation

YWAM operates a home in Townsville for at-risk youth. YWAM receives tenant referrals from local collaborating youth support organizations.

 

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Vision & Approach

We have the hope to create a safe environment for the youth of Townsville to be, believing everyone has the right to hope for an abundant and healthy life physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually. YWAM works in partnership and by invitation through Australia and Papua New Guinea.

 

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School Seminars

Our school seminar programs are designed to empower and motivate youth to live full and productive lives. Book these engaging and interactive seminars to strengthen your young people. 

 

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Youth Adventures

Youth Adventures is the ultimate service based learning opportunity for young people. We do all the work for your school or youth group so you can do the mission!

 

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VET in Schools

Vocational education is one of the best ways for young people to explore their passions and get equipped. We offer several registered training programs for youth. In addition to all of the expected elements of a training program, our courses have an emphasis on building good character and the soft skills needed to be employable, while also giving students the chance to practice their skills within our organisation. 

 


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Adventure Based Learning
Adventure based learning programs are complete with a high, medium, and low ropes course, cafe, and multi-purpose youth space to run programs with a ‘learn by doing’ and ‘challenge by choice’ philosophy.
 

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Precinct Cafe
Help build healthy lives and communities in Australia and Papua New Guinea while dining at the YWAM Precinct Cafe
YWAM Precinct Cafe is a not-for-profit cafe located at 312 Walker Street in Townsville’s CBD.
 

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VET in Schools

Vocational education is one of the best ways for young people to explore their passions and get equipped. We offer several registered training programs for youth. In addition to all of the expected elements of a training program, our courses have an emphasis on building good character and the soft skills needed to be employable, while also giving students the chance to practice their skills within our organisation. 

Apply Townsville

Apply Port Moresby

 

Discipleship Training School

Our Discipleship Training School (DTS) gives you the opportunity to set aside five and a half months of your life to grow in your faith while serving the world around you. After 13 weeks of training and discipleship at one of our campuses, we take you on nine weeks of cross-cultural outreach. You will also have the option of choosing an elective, giving you the opportunity to explore your passions and calling. The DTS is a life-changing experience! 

10802NAT - Certificate III in Discipleship 

 

Townsville Campus
  • 16 July - 15 December, 2023
  • 22 October, 2022 - 22 March, 2024
  • 28 January - 28 June 2024
  • 14 July - 13 December 2024
  • 13 October, 2024 - 14 March, 2025
Port Moresby Campus
  • 16 July - 15 December, 2023
  • 28 January - 28 June 2023
  • 14 July - 13 December 2023
Learn More Learn More

 

Apply Townsville

Apply Port Moresby

Introduction to Global Health & Development

Be immersed in a powerful combination of essential basic healthcare knowledge and community development training, with a focus on preventing illness, promoting holistic wellbeing, and empowering communities to develop their strengths.

Townsville Campus

To be announced

 

Port Moresby Campus
  • 16 July - 15 December, 2023
  • 14 July - 13 December, 2024
Learn More
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HLT31220 - Certificate III in Basic Health

HLTAID009 -  Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

HLTAID013 - Provide First Aid in remote or isolated site 

HLTAID014 -  Provide Advanced First Aid

HLT31220 - Certificate III in Basic Health

HLTAID009 -  Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

HLTAID013 - Provide First Aid in remote or isolated site 

HLTAID014 -  Provide Advanced First Aid

 

Apply Townsville

Apply Port Moresby

Discipleship Bible School

During the course, you will have an opportunity to dig deep into the Bible, reading through all 66 books, gaining an overall perspective of God’s story. You will learn techniques for effective Bible study, and a series of speakers will help unlock the Bible’s fascinating content.

 

Townsville Campus

To be announced

Port Moresby Campus

To be announced

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Purpose & Leadership Development

An internship with a difference! This is a two year, hands on course that trains you in the core aspects of being a full-time volunteer with YWAM anywhere in the world. The skills and knowledge you will gain during the two years apply to much more than just the missions context, they can be transferred to your next job, ministry opportunity, or further study. 

10899NAT Certificate IV in Christian Missions

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Advanced Leadership Development

The Advanced Leadership Development  is a hands-on, two-year course that gives you the opportunity to develop your understanding of leadership from a Biblical perspective. The training includes a combination of classroom-style learning, practical application, and mentoring. 

10944NAT Diploma of Christian Missions Leadership

 

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Introduction to Radio & Media

Introduction to Radio & Media will equip you as a radio announcer, podcaster, or audio producer. As part of your training, you will be working at 99.9 Live FM where we are announcing to over 26,000 listeners in North Queensland with the message “It's Good to Be Alive.” 

CUA31020 Certificate III in Screen and Media

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Provide First Aid

During this course you will be equipped with the skills to respond and provide first aid for accidents and injuries, provide life support, provide CPR and manage a casualty’s condition until further help or assistance is available. Your training will be a combination of theory and practical hands-on experience to equip you to assist others in need.

HLTAID011 Provide First Aid

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Our Training Approach

Our vocational training is designed for those who are seeking not only a qualification, but also an opportunity to use their vocation to serve others. We combine elements of informal, formal, and non-formal education to not only impart knowledge and skill, but also good character, important life skills, and the motivation to serve and invest into the lives of others.


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Volunteer

Looking for an opportunity to serve while meeting new people and experiencing a new culture? We have a range of dynamic volunteering opportunities in both Australia and Papua New Guinea for both groups and individuals of all ages.

 

Apply Now (Townsville Campus)
Apply Now  (Port Moresby Campus)
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Mission Build
Mission Building is a volunteer program that gives you the opportunity to experience life at our campus all while supporting our work in Australia and PNG. Join us for two weeks to three months at a time that suits you!
 

Register Interest

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Outreaches

Whether you are an experienced health professional, a university student, an enthusiastic young person, or a skilled mariner, we invite you to register interest for outreaches in Papua New Guinea.

 

Apply Now

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Discipleship Training School

Our Discipleship Training School (DTS) gives you the opportunity to set aside five and a half months of your life to grow in your faith while serving the world around you. After 13 weeks of training and discipleship at our campus in Townsville, Australia, we take you on nine weeks of cross-cultural outreach. You will also have the option of choosing an elective, giving you the opportunity to explore your passions and calling. The DTS is a life-changing experience!

10802NAT - Certificate III in Discipleship 

Townsville Campus
  • 29 January - 30 June, 2023
  • 16 July - 15 December, 2023
  • 22 October, 2023 - 22 March, 2024
Port Moresby Campus
  • 29 January - 30 June, 2023
  • 16 July - 15 December, 2023

 

Apply Now

Learn More

Youth Adventures

Youth Adventures is the ultimate service based learning opportunity for young people. We do all the work for your school or youth group so you can do the mission!